Reliever Chris Hatcher brings experience, sense of humor to A’s
Reliever Chris Hatcher brings experience, sense of humor to A’s
Because Chris Hatcher hasn’t appeared in a big-league game since June 22, there might be some questions about what the right-hander whom the A’s acquired from the Dodgers on Tuesday will bring to the Oakland bullpen.
Talking with him for a few minutes in the Coliseum clubhouse before Wednesday’s game against Kansas City, it’s clear he brought one thing: a sense of humor.
“I’ve been a closer,” Hatcher said, quickly adding, Excuse me, I take that back: I’ve closed some games in the big leagues.
Hatcher had spent nearly two months on the disabled list with thoracic inflammation, which he described as a problem with his ribs.
A five-game rehab assignment ended last Wednesday and he returned to the Dodgers on Sunday.
In a seven-year career split between the Marlins (2011-14) and Dodgers (2015-17), Hatcher is 8-14 with a 4.72 ERA and four saves.
The A’s optioned right-hander Josh Smith to Triple-A Nashville to make room on the roster for Hatcher.
To make room on the 40-man roster for Moll, the A’s designated Nashville right-hander Zach Neal for assignment.